HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRANBERRIES AND THE SUGAR TAX

That this House recognises the unique health benefits of cranberries and their role in preventing the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTls) in women and children; notes that at least half of all women will have a UTI during their lifetime and will subsequently be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection; further notes that antimicrobial resistance is a growing issue of concern that unless tackled will make the most minor procedures dangerous, and overprescribing of antibiotics must be halted; takes note that if simple infections such as UTls can be prevented in the first place the need to prescribe antibiotics will be reduced; further recognises that, in their natural state, cranberries are low in natural sugar and high in acid and therefore need to be sweetened for palatability; is concerned that any measure to restrict the promotion of juices with added sugar could have a detrimental effect on beneficial consumption of cranberry juice; and calls on the Department of Health to exempt cranberry juice from any measures to restrict promotion on sweetened juices due to its exceptional health qualities.